How to Grow Arugula

easyGardeningseasonal7 steps

Tools Needed

Outdoor containers — Optional for flexible placement

Arugula seeds — Standard varieties(As needed)

Humusy soil — Rich organic matter, pH 6 to 6.8(Sufficient for bed/container)

Prepare the site in full sun or partial shade using rich, humusy soil with a pH between 6 and 6.8.

Tip: Arugula tolerates low fertility but prefers organic-rich soil.

Plant seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring.

Tip: Avoid planting in areas where other cabbage family crops were recently grown.

Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows, or broadcast them alone or mixed with other greens.

Tip: For a continuous supply, make new plantings every 2 to 3 weeks until a month before the first frost.

Maintain evenly moist soil to support growth and slow down the bolting process.

Tip: Moisture stress and heat are the primary triggers for bolting.

Gradually thin seedlings to 6-inch spacings.

Tip: Use the thinned-out seedlings in salads to avoid waste.

Monitor for heat and moisture stress to prevent the plant from bolting and becoming erect.

Tip: Plants remain low and compact until heat induces the bolting phase.

Harvest leaves for salads; flowers may also be harvested as they are edible.

Tip: Harvest before the plant bolts for the best leaf quality.

Keep soil consistently moist to delay bolting.
Arugula is an easy-to-care-for annual that typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall.
Succession planting every few weeks ensures a steady harvest throughout the season.

Synthesized from 6 verified sources:

Cornell ExtensionView →

GrowstuffView →

Gutenberg: Farm Gardening GuideView →

Gutenberg: War Gardens GuideView →

Gutenberg: Manual of GardeningView →

Old Farmer's AlmanacView →